A 5-day training course focused on bee identification to genus level, combining field and laboratory work.

Course Overview

The Basic Bee Taxonomy course is a 5-day training course that includes field and laboratory work. The course focuses on identification to genus level.

The aim of the course is to build a network of experts in all EU Member States who are able to accurately identify pollinator species, both in the field and in the laboratory, in order to support EU pollinator conservation efforts and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

This course is part of the EPIC-BEES training programme led by UMONS in Belgium. The course will last 5 full days, including two days of field work and three days of laboratory work. There will be a general overview of the different genera using reference collections and some laboratory work to prepare the specimens collected in the field. Specimens will be identified using keys and reference material.

Who should attend?

Target Audience: Individuals with some background in working with bees.

Entry Level Requirements:

• Ability to differentiate bees from other insects.
• Ability to distinguish between male and female bees.
• Experience working with insect collections.
• Proficiency in using binoculars.
• Knowledge of how to use dichotomous keys.

Regional Focus: Regional courses will focus on the specific species in that region. Participants are strongly encouraged to register only for courses in their own region.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize, in laboratory conditions, all the bee genera present in their country, plus some common species, using reference material.
• Gain practical experience in identification at genus level in the field.
• Gain practical experience in collecting specimens and preparing them (e.g., pinning, labeling) for later laboratory examination.

Practical information

• Duration: 5 full days, including 2 days of fieldwork and 3 days of laboratory work.
• Maximum Participants: 15
• See table for other details for each course

To apply for the courses, enter in the Pollinator Academy: (LINK NOT AVAILABLE YET)

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